"Shepherds" is a quiet, melancholic, and more visually-driven short film that subverts traditional depictions of not only the grim reaper but a man's perception of work and livelihood. Although toying with familiar iconography, our story is no horror story, rather an intimate fable. It follows THE REAPER, an obedient man struggling with his tough job as a spiritual escort in a purgatory-like realm. His duty requires him to guide recently deceased souls to a cliff, where he forces them to leap into the unknown after paying a fee of their own. However, as avid rule-follower of The Manual, The Reaper maintains a stoic demeanor to remain neutral and voiceless underneath an intimidating cloak and mask. When he finally requests a day-off from an unseen administration, he is forced to train a NEW HIRE these firm ways. Young and enthusiastic, Hire succumbs to the rules as a gesture of respect, but soon turns against them when they begin to impede his needs. What follows is a silent clash between two generations of working men in a remote cottage, where a heart is eventually unveiled deep within The Reaper's repressed psyche.

With little dialogue and an emphasis on form and feeling, "Shepherds" aims to be a vast piece about labor and masculinity, and the risks of compressing one's identity to their occupation. Behavior and silence drive the film, as sometimes, the largest ideas can be articulated through the smallest of moments.

My name is Jacob Bidelman, and I am the writer, director, and cinematographer behind "Shepherds." I am currently pursuing a BFA in Film and Screenwriting at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. While the film primarily serves as my senior thesis, it is also a declaration of sorts -- to mark the moment where I depart from conventional paths and forge my own with the work before me. Growing up, I have always found myself going with the flow of things and adhering to rules to bother little and to go unnoticed. I have applied this to my own identity, as well. However, through studying my field of interest, my craft, and who I truly am as a person, I have discovered that embracing my authenticity is paramount to my all-around growth. The old saying goes: "rules are meant to be broken."

With that said, "Shepherds" is me with my heart torn open. The art that has left the largest mark on me as a story-teller are the ones about isolated people in vast spaces, bound by routine to hide the things that scare or hurt them the most. I find the silence in a location and character to be a fascinating indicator of the louder issues occurring internally. While "Shepherds" follows this route, I feel at ease and moved by the story, and I hope those exact feelings resonate with you all!

Joining me on this journey are collaborators I am proud to call friends, as well as Pennsylvania based actors and family members. To accomplish all of this, however, I also need your help!

To acquire a grand sense of immersion, I am requesting $3,000. Funding will be used for food for the cast & crew, equipment, art direction (costume design, make-up, props), festival fees, and contingency purposes. What "Shepherds" needs most, however, are travel and location funds. While I am familiar with zero-budget filmmaking, the film demands an idiosyncratic atmosphere and tone. Proper locations would irrefutably present the distinct, contained world our characters trek through. As a Philadelphia-based filmmaker, funding for gas, possible tire replacements, location fees, and hotel accommodations will ensure that we get the most out of our West Chester and Marietta, PA locations.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for checking out my page. I hope you consider helping us create this piece! No donation is too small :)

Jacob Bidelman